The Ms Artastic blog
Art lesson ideas for real classrooms
Seasonal projects, elements of art, artist studies and practical teaching tips for elementary teachers, art teachers and homeschool families.
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15 November Art Ideas for Elementary Students
Fifteen November art ideas for elementary students: Remembrance Day poppies, autumn hedgehogs, foxes, mushroom forests, pastel pumpkins, Van Gogh pumpkins, gratitude art and low-prep…
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Best Art Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers: 34 Picture Books for Color, Shape and Line
34 of the best art books for toddlers and preschoolers, with discussion prompts, art activities, drawing prompts and sub plan ideas for color, shape,…
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The New Ms Artastic: Free Art Resources, Creative Tools and Art Lessons for Teachers and Families
Take a tour of the new MsArtastic.com: a Free Art Lesson Library, 365 drawing prompts, an art history timeline and passport, an art careers…
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K–8 Art Curriculum Map: A Year of Art Lessons, Week by Week (Interactive + Printable PDFs)
An interactive 36-week art curriculum map for Kindergarten to Grade 8: an art lesson for every week from August to June, picture book pairings…
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Careers in Art for Kids: Creative Jobs Your Students May Have Never Heard Of
Art careers go far beyond “famous painter.” Explore illustration, animation, game art, architecture, design, museum jobs and more, plus a free quiz to help…
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Free Praxis Art Practice Questions for Future Art Teachers (5135 Test Prep)
Studying for the Praxis Art: Content and Analysis (5135) test? Try free practice questions by topic, see your score breakdown, and get a free…
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Architecture Around the World for Kids: A Free Interactive Map, Timeline and Printable Pack
Explore 20 famous buildings with kids using a free interactive world map and timeline, then grab the free printable pack with coloring pages, design…
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How to Teach Art History to Kids Without Making It Boring
Art history doesn’t have to be dates and dead painters. Here’s how to teach art history to kids with stories, close looking, open questions,…
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How to Plan an Art Lesson That Actually Works
How to plan an art lesson that works in a real classroom: objectives, materials, demos, timing, choice, cleanup and reflection, plus a free art…
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Elements of Art Lessons for Kids: One Art Project for Each of the 7 Elements
Elements of art lessons for kids, one for each of the 7 elements: line, shape, color, value, form, space and texture. Real art projects…
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365 Drawing Prompts for Kids: Why a Daily Drawing Habit Builds Creativity
365 drawing prompts for kids, plus how to use them for sketchbooks, fast finishers and bell ringers. Try the free Ms Artastic Drawing Prompt…
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How to Teach Art When You’re Not an Art Teacher
Not an art teacher? Practical tips for classroom teachers and homeschool parents to plan, demo and teach art with confidence, no art degree needed.
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What to Do When a Student Says “I Can’t Draw”
Student says “I can’t draw”? What to say in the moment, why kids lose art confidence, and simple ways to build drawing skills, resilience…
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Toddlers Exploring Art: The Best Art Gifts for Toddlers, Ages 1 to 3
Art gifts for toddlers ages 1 to 3: chunky crayons, washable paints, easels, smocks, mess-free art and board books about color, with age labels…
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Gifts for Kids Who Love Art: 50 Creative Ideas from Stocking Stuffers to Splurges
Gifts for kids who love art, ages 4 to 12: drawing books, craft and clay kits, art games and studio setups, from stocking stuffers…
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Art Supplies Gift Guide: 50 Quality Art Supplies for Kids, Teens and Adults
An art supplies gift guide with 50 quality picks for kids, teens, adults and homeschool families, sorted by medium and budget, stocking stuffers to…
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The Best Gifts for Art Teachers: 50 Thoughtful Ideas from Stocking Stuffers to Splurges
Looking for gifts for art teachers? Here are 50 thoughtful ideas from stocking stuffers to splurges: classroom helpers, studio tools, cozy picks and good…
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Displaying Student Art: Simple Bulletin Board and Hallway Ideas
simple ways to display student art, from bulletin board rotations and artist labels to hallway mini galleries and digital portfolios.
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Planning Winter Art: A December to February Game Plan
a calm, inclusive winter art plan for December to February, with themes, pacing around breaks, and ideas for every celebration day.
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Organizing Art Supplies on a Tight Budget
how to organize art supplies on a tight budget: what’s worth buying, pastel and watercolor basics, storage, donations, supply care.
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Teaching Art to Mixed Ages: Homeschool Siblings and Split Classes
how to teach one art theme at three levels for homeschool siblings and split classes, with scaffolding, independence and supply tips.
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How to Talk to Kids About Their Art (So They Keep Making It)
how to talk with kids about their art using descriptive feedback, real art vocabulary, gallery walks and honest self-reflection.
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Art Sub Plans That Actually Work: A Survival Guide for Art Teachers
how to build art sub plans that work: what to include, low-mess options, an emergency folder, drawing prompts and craft ideas.
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Art Room Clean-Up Routines That Give You Your Time Back
art room clean-up routines that save time: timers, student jobs, music cues, paint and water systems and a simple end-of-day reset.
Free for teachers & homeschoolers
The Free Art Lesson Library, plus a community of art teachers
Get instant access to free art lessons, printable activities and seasonal projects, and join the Art Teacher Mastermind Community to swap ideas and ask questions.
- Free art lessons for kids
- Seasonal & holiday projects
- Printable classroom activities
- Pre-K to Grade 8 scope & sequence support
- Sub plan & fast finisher ideas
- New resources added over time
No cost to join. Hosted on Artastic Collective.
it’s
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